extra gauges

KJ/toy · **Posted:** Tue Sep 03, 2013 8:52 pm

I seem to not be able to make my mind up on the gauge pod (Lotek). Do I really need the extra gauges? Thinking Trans. temp. and a dual function oil press. and water temp gauge. :dizzy:

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Sep 03, 2013 9:07 pm

Scan gauge can give you some of those readings as well
voltage, water temp , rpm, fuel mileage, average fuel mileage, depending on year trans temp, fuel pressure and the list goes on and on

papaindigo · **Posted:** Wed Sep 04, 2013 12:03 pm

Speaking from the KJ CRD perspective the scan gauge will work but at least on 05/06 KJ the computer gets "really" unhappy if you leave the gauge plugged in all the time and can kick the vehicle into "limp" mod.

On the KJ a water temp gauge is not really of any benefit as the OEM temp gauge is reasonably accurate. Its only problem is a lack of degree markings but if you know the calibration then you will know reasonably closely what temp in degrees F you are running.

Can you get a combo oil pressure tranny temp gauge? I suspect the answer is yes as a sending unit that can measure water temp should be able to measure tranny temp.

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Sep 04, 2013 12:23 pm

Have to disagree on the OEM temp gauge being accurate.
Even mid way temps can be 40-50 degrees higher or more than normal and still show OK right in the middle
For me I want to see that it is 215, 225 or whatever the temps maybe
On a gasser there are no worries on the Scan gauge, mines been hooked up for 4 years or so at least and never misses a beat

papaindigo · **Posted:** Wed Sep 04, 2013 1:35 pm

You are correct up to a point. The 1 tick left of vertical to vertical range is 176-216F and 167-205F for the 05/06 KJ CRD and gasser respectively. However, both gauges are calibrated to not move much between when the thermostat opens and a point that's toward the upper end of the normal operating range.

Once those upper figures are exceeded and coolant temp can begin to become a worry the gauge readings go up very rapidly. On both gauges an increase over the above upper readings of only 10F takes you from dead vertical to 3 ticks right of there or almost the 3/4 mark.

Bottom line is for ether CRD or gasser as long as the gauge is between vertical and 1 tick left you are in the normal operating temp range.

Will an aftermarket gauge give you precise numerical and perhaps more linear readings, possibly to probably. Is that enough benefit to add the gauge? That's a personal choice although I can see a benefit to having a second opinion so to speak if the OEM temp sending unit or gauge goes bad. From personal experience way back with a 1s gen Plymouth mini-van I'll admit it was nice on Christmas Eve to have a gauge say oil pressure was fine when the oil pressure idiot light came on.

LibertyFever · **Posted:** Wed Sep 04, 2013 5:28 pm

Even though I have a Scangauge device I plan to get one of those Lotek pillar gauge pods.

I've had problems with transmission overheating so I'll likely get a transmission temperature gauge and perhaps a vacuum/gas mileage gauge.

sent from my Galaxy SIII & Tapatalk4 beta

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Sep 04, 2013 5:48 pm

papaindigo wrote:

You are correct up to a point. The 1 tick left of vertical to vertical range is 176-216F and 167-205F for the 05/06 KJ CRD and gasser respectively. However, both gauges are calibrated to not move much between when the thermostat opens and a point that's toward the upper end of the normal operating range.

Still don't think they are even that accurate, Jeep/Chrysler may say so but I call bull

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